Neeraj Chopra Vows 'Strong, Solid Comeback' After Injury Setback
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra discusses his recovery from an ankle injury and his plans for a strong comeback ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
India's golden boy and two-time Olympic medallist, Neeraj Chopra, has officially set his sights on the future. The world champion javelin thrower, who has become a symbol of sporting excellence in India, recently opened up about his journey toward recovery and his ambitions for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Audi Q3 in Mumbai, Chopra addressed the disappointment of his recent absence from the competitive circuit. An ankle ligament injury sustained during a training session had not only ruled him out for the remainder of the season but also forced him to miss the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The Road to 2028
Despite the setback, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and Paris 2024 silver medallist remains optimistic. With the next Olympic cycle unfolding, Chopra emphasized that he is utilizing this time to heal and rebuild his strength.
"There’s still some time for the Olympics; it is going to be held in 2028. As you might know, I sustained an injury, but I am now in the process of making a comeback. My focus now is on staging a strong, solid comeback next year and delivering the kind of performance I’ve been aiming for," Chopra told reporters.
Praising the New Guard of Indian Javelin
While Chopra was sidelined, the spotlight shifted to a new generation of Indian athletes. The javelin throw event at the 2026 Asian Games saw a remarkable performance by young talents Yash Vir Singh and Rohit Yadav, who stepped up in the absence of the country's top stars.
Yash Vir Singh secured a silver medal, while Rohit Yadav claimed the bronze, ensuring that India remained a force to be reckoned with in the event despite the absence of both Neeraj Chopra and Kishore Jena.
A Positive Sign for India
Chopra expressed immense pride in the achievements of his juniors, noting that their success is a testament to the increasing depth of talent within the country.
He pointed out that in the previous Asian Games, India had secured a gold and a silver. The fact that the nation still brought home two medals this time, without its primary contenders, is a "very positive sign" indicating that India has no shortage of athletic talent.
Offering a piece of veteran advice to the rising stars, Neeraj urged them to prioritize their health to ensure longevity in the sport. He encouraged Yash Vir and Rohit to stay injury-free and, most importantly, to continue enjoying the game they play.